Search

Background: Bipolar disorder is associated with circadian disruption and a high risk of suicidal behavior. In a previous exploratory study of patients with bipolar I disorder, we found that a history of suicide attempts was associated with differences between winter and summer levels of solar insolation. The purpose of this study was to confirm this finding using international data from 42% more collection sites and 25% more countries. Methods: Data analyzed were from 71 prior and new collection sites in 40 countries at a wide range of latitudes. The analysis included 4876 patients with bipolar I disorder, 45% more data than previously analyzed. Of the patients, 1496 (30.7%) had a history of suicide attempt. Solar insolation data, the amount of the sun’s electromagnetic energy striking the surface of the earth, was obtained for each onset location (479 locations in 64 countries). Results: This analysis confirmed the results of the exploratory study with the same best model and slightly better statistical significance. There was a significant inverse association between a history of suicide attempts and the ratio of mean winter insolation to mean summer insolation (mean winter insolation/mean summer insolation). This ratio is largest near the equator which has little change in solar insolation over the year, and smallest near the poles where the winter insolation is very small compared to the summer insolation. Other variables in the model associated with an increased risk of suicide attempts were a history of alcohol or substance abuse, female gender, and younger birth cohort. The winter/summer insolation ratio was also replaced with the ratio of minimum mean monthly insolation to the maximum mean monthly insolation to accommodate insolation patterns in the tropics, and nearly identical results were found. All estimated coefficients were significant at p < 0.01. Conclusion: A large change in solar insolation, both between winter and summer and between the minimum and maximum monthly values, may increase the risk of suicide attempts in bipolar I disorder. With frequent circadian rhythm dysfunction and suicidal behavior in bipolar disorder, greater understanding of the optimal roles of daylight and electric lighting in circadian entrainment is needed. © 2021, The Author(s).

A new concept of Decision Support System (DSS) is presented. It is able to account for and support all phases of the risk analysis process: event forecast, prediction of reliable and accurate damage scenarios, estimate of their impact on Critical Infrastructures (CI), estimate of the possible consequences. It also provides an estimate of the consequences in terms of service degradation and of impact on citizens, on urban area and on production activities, essential for the mitigation of the adverse events. It can be used in two different modes, either in an operational mode (on a 24/7 basis) or in a simulation mode to produce risk analysis, setting up synthetic natural hazards and assessing the resulting chain of events (damages, impacts and consequences). Among the various possible external data sources an aerial, drone based one is presented. The system may capture both thermal and visual images of CI, processing them into 3D models or collect chemical pollutants concentrations for the monitoring of dangerous air quality due to catastrophic events such as volcano eruptions or large fires. The obtained models and the chemical data can be easily displayed within the framework of the DSS., International Journal of Sustainable Energy Planning and Management, Vol 24 (2019)

Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum - synonym Venerupis philippinarum (Adams and Reeve, 1850) is one of the most successful marine invaders worldwide and represents almost 20% of worldwide mollusc total production. Originally distributed in the Indo-Pacific region, the species was introduced for aquaculture and fisheries in North America, Polynesia, the US Virgin Islands, as well as in Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts of Europe. Due to the commercial value of the species, population genetics and stock composition are of primary importance both in natural and invaded environments. Moreover, molecular genetics can provide valuable data in invasion biology, as, for example, the structure of the exploited populations, the origin of source populations and the routes of invasions. Furthermore, molecular data might be useful for the tracking of seafood products, as requested by the European Commission for European seafood products (see EC laws n° 178/2002, 509/2006, 510/2006 and their improvements). Despite all these considerations genetic data are lacking, especially for introduced populations, and should be urgently provided. In a framework of an European network of researchers involved in Manila clam studies, clams were collected in coastal lagoons and estuaries in both Mediterranean (Northern Adriatic Sea, Italy) and Atlantic (Spain and Portugal) coasts of Europe. Both mitochondrial and nuclear molecular markers were applied to investigate the genetic structure of populations, specifically by the direct sequencing of 16S rDNA gene fragments and by the genotyping of 7 microsatellite markers previously used in native populations. Results demonstrated the occurrence of multiple haplotypes for 16S rDNA, even if one main haplotype was identified in the European analyzed populations. However, few sequences were available in Genbank to make comparisons with native populations. Concerning the microsatellite data, the genotyping of Manila clam populations showed low genetic diversity among them, considering the Fst values, and a lack of genetic structuring when analysed by Structure software. Both these data suggest the absence of geographic differentiation among the introduced populations of Manila clam, as a result of introgression due to translocations and other human activities. The levels of genetic diversity within introduced populations were comparable to those described from native regions, suggesting that multiple introduction events and mixed source populations can counterbalance the loss of genetic diversity caused by the founder effect. However, it must be remarked that microsatellites showed a strong occurrence of null alleles when tested by Micro-checker, as previously observed in other bivalves, suggesting that the problem is differently distributed among Manila clam populations or specific loci, thus microsatellites should be carefully checked before used in extensive population studies. In the near future, population genetics and stock identification of this species on a large scale should be assessed using new powerful markers such as those obtained by NGS (Next Generation Sequencing) methods. In conclusion, this research represents the very first extensive genetic investigation on Manila clam’s European populations, defining the levels of genetic diversity that will help to inform management practices.

Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy is a modern cancer treatment strategy able to deliver highly focused radiation in one or a few fractions with a radical intent in several clinical settings. Young radiation oncologists need a constant and tailored update in this context to improve patient care in daily clinical practice. A recent meeting of AIRO Giovani (AIRO - Young Members Working Group) was specifically addressed to this topic, presenting state-of-the-art knowledge, based on the latest evidence in this field. Highlights of the congress are summarized and presented in this report, including thorough contributions of the speakers dealing with the role of stereotactic ablative radiotherapy in both oncological and non-oncological diseases, divided according to anatomical and clinical scenarios: intra-cranial settings (brain malignant primary tumors, metastases, benign tumors and functional disorders) and extra-cranial indications (lung primary tumors and metastases, thoracic re-irradiation, liver, lymph node and bone metastases, prostate cancer). With literature data discussed during the congress as a background, stereotactic ablative radiotherapy has proved to be a consolidated treatment approach in specific oncological and non-oncological scenarios, as well as a promising option in other clinical settings, requiring a further prospective validation in the near future. We herein present an updated overview of stereotactic ablative radiotherapy use in the clinic

A three dimensional localisation algorithm for a swarm of underwater vehicles is presented. The proposed approach is grounded on an extended Kalman filter (EKF) scheme used to fuse some proprioceptive data such as the vessel's speed and some esteroceptive measurement such as the time of flight (TOF) sonar distance of the companion vessels. The results of several simulations are presented. Some considerations about the available underwater bandwidth and the communication needed by the approach are discussed.

An important task in underwater autonomous vehicle swarm management is the knowledge of the graph topology, to be obtained with the minimum possible communication exchanges and amid heavy interferences and background noises. Despite the importance of the task, this problem is still partially unsolved. Recently, the Fast Fourier Transform and the addition of white noise to consensus signals have been proposed independently to determine respectively the laplacian spectrum and the adjacency matrix of the graph of interacting agents from consensus time series, but both methodologies suffer technical difficulties. In this paper, we combine them in order to simplify calculations, save energy and avoid topological reconstruction errors using only the largest eigenvalue of the spectrum and instead of white noise, a high frequency, low amplitude noise. Numerical simulations of several swarms (random, small-world, pipeline, grid) show an exact reconstruction of the configuration topologies.

In the framework of VIGOR Project, a national project coordinated by the Institute of Geosciences and Earth Resources (CNR-IGG) and sponsored by the Ministry of Economic Development (MiSE), dedicated to the evaluation of geothermal potential in the regions of the Convergence Objective in Italy (Puglia, Calabria, Campania and Sicily), is expected to evaluate the ability of the territory to heat exchange with the ground for air conditioning of buildings. To identify the conditions for the development of low enthalpy geothermal systems collected and organized on a regional scale geological and stratigraphic data useful for the preparation of a specific thematic mapping, able to represent in a synergistic and simplified way the physical parameters (geological, lithostratigraphic, hydrogeological, thermodynamic) that most influence the subsoil behavior for thermal exchange. The litho-stratigraphic and hydrogeological database created for every region led to the production of different cartographic thematic maps, such as the thermal conductivity (lithological and stratigraphical), the surface geothermal flux, the average annual temperature of air, the climate zoning, the areas of hydrogeological restrictions. To obtain a single representation of the geo-exchange potential of the region, the different thematic maps described must be combined together by means of an algorithm, defined on the basis of the SINTACS methodology. The purpose is to weigh the contributions of the involved parameters and to produce a preliminary synthesis map able to identify the territorial use of geothermal heat pump systems, based on the geological characteristics and in agreement with the existing regulatory constraints.

Valutazione del Potenziale Geotermico delle Regioni della Convergenza La geotermia è scienza, tecnologia ed energia. È la scienza che indaga le fonti di calore endogeno della Terra; è la tecnologia (impiantistica e disciplinare) che permette di accedere a tali risorse e coltivarle; è l'energia che ne scaturisce, utilizzabile sia come calore - direttamente - sia per la produzione di energia elettrica. La geotermia è utile, difficile e... bella. È una disciplina utile, perché dall'indagine geotermica e dagli impianti deriva un approvvigionamento energetico efficiente e indipendente sia dalle forniture estere sia dalle fluttuazioni del prezzo del petrolio. È una sfida difficile: si esige competenza e perizia per attingere a una fonte di energia praticamente ubiqua, ma custodita; locale e disponibile sempre, rinnovabile e, dunque, sostenibile: un'energia bella! La geotermia è una branca del sapere e una pratica tecnologica poco compresa, perché poco nota, ancora scarsamente organizzata e, spesso, poco incentivata. Serve dunque informazione, che è raccolta di dati, divulgazione, formazione. Grazie a una sapienza (oggi lo chiamano know-how) e a un'esperienza uniche nel settore, messe in campo dal Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, in accordo con il Ministero dello Sviluppo Economico, la geotermia oggi è anche VIGOR. Un progetto quadriennale che ha permesso di calcolare il potenziale geotermico di alcune Regioni del sud Italia e integrarlo in mappe significative del territorio, di progettarne il possibile utilizzo tramite impianti tecnologicamente ed economicamente realizzabili, dipanandone l'iter autorizzativo e indagandone il grado di accettabilità sociale per, infine, condividere tutto ciò (tramite opere e carte stampate e via web), affinché un'esperienza (inter)regionale diventi patrimonio condiviso. Da qui in poi, la geotermia è progetto e investimento. Ed è futuro: il nostro. Adele Manzella Coordinatrice scientifica del progetto

Studio di fattibilità a Lamezia-Terme Caronte: questo studio descrive la valutazione geotermica effettuata nel sito di Terme Caronte (CZ) e la proposta tecnico-economica per lo sviluppo di un progetto impiantistico relativo a risorse geotermiche a bassa entalpia per la realizzazione di un impianto geotermico per l'essiccamento dei fanghi, dimensionato sul vicino impianto di depurazione di Lamezia Terme, e un impianto geotermico per la climatizzazione dello stabilimento termale di Terme Caronte. Considerato che lo studio del sito di Terme Caronte ha riguardato un'area estesa e si riferisce alla piana di Lamezia Terme, e che l'impianto di essiccamento fanghi reflui ha preso come esempio di applicazione quello di Lamezia Terme, il sito oggetto di studio è stato rinominato Lamezia - Terme - Caronte. Dal punto di vista della risorsa geotermica, l'area è stata scelta sia per la presenza di acque termali (Terme Caronte) mineralizzate e calde con una temperatura all'uscita di circa 39°C e sia per le possibili potenzialità in termini di utilizzo delle eventuali risorse geotermiche profonde per un uso diretto nei settori produttivi dell'area. Tali manifestazioni termali si trovano in corrispondenza di alti strutturali che mostrano in finestra tettonica le unità carbonatiche appenniniche al di sotto delle unità cristalline. Alla luce dei risultati conseguiti, ottenuti attraverso rilievi geologici di superficie, indagini geochimiche, prospezioni geofisiche ed elaborazioni dei dati sismici forniti dall'ENI, l'area di Terme Caronte risulta caratterizzata dalla presenza in profondità di potenziali serbatoi geotermici in roccia fratturata, ricoperti da terreni che costituiscono un'efficace copertura impermeabile, essendo prevalentemente impermeabili o comunque a bassa permeabilità. Il contesto geologico-strutturale che caratterizza l'area di Teme Caronte evidenzia che la risalita delle acque calde, individuata in diverse sorgenti distinte ma spazialmente vicine, avvenga attraverso l'espressione congiunta del sistema di faglie orientato localmente NE-SW e quello N-S. Inoltre, la zona di contatto con i depositi impermeabili neogenici costituisce una soglia di permeabilità che tende ad ostacolare il travaso verso la Piana di Lamezia Terme. Lo studio geochimico ha evidenziato che le acque delle sorgenti di Terme Caronte non hanno elevati mescolamenti con quelle superficiali, dimostrando la presenza di una risalita rapida lungo la fascia di interferenza tra i due sistemi tettonici indicati. Vista la presenza di elementi che identificano un'origine meteorica delle acque della sorgente Terme Caronte con scambio acqua-roccia di tipo carbonatico, il modello concettuale del sistema termale prevede che il serbatoio geotermico sia alimentato dalle acque di pioggia che si infiltrano nel settore meridionale del massiccio della Sila, penetrando nelle unità metamorfiche superficiali che risulterebbero permeabili per fratturazione soprattutto lungo le zone caratterizzate da strutture tettoniche molto importanti a carattere regionale (Tansi et al., 2007). Una volta infiltratesi, le acque si approfondiscono nel serbatoio geotermico presente nel complesso carbonatico sottostante ad una profondità di 3-4 chilometri. La mancanza di dati di pozzi profondi e le conseguenti incertezze nelle quote delle unità profonde è stata parzialmente colmata dalla perforazione di un pozzo esplorativo, il primo sondaggio in Calabria continentale a raggiungere una profondità di poco inferiore a 1 km. Il sondaggio è stato posizionato tenendo conto di limitazione logistiche (accessi e topografia) e della geologia del luogo. Purtroppo il sondaggio non ha raggiunto il serbatoio geotermico, che risulta molto profondo, pertanto le proposte impiantistiche si riferiscono a risorse di bassa termalità superficiali. Le proposte impiantistiche sviluppate per Terme Caronte si riferiscono a due distinte modalità di utilizzo della geotermia: o impianto geotermico per l'essiccamento dei fanghi provenienti dalla linea di trattamento fanghi del depuratore di acque reflue presente nella zona industriale di Lamezia Terme (a circa 5 km dalla zona di Terme Caronte). Per quanto quest'applicazione non si riferisca esattamente al sito scelto, si è pensato di sviluppare una proposta impiantistica interessante per la sua applicazione in tutte le zone nelle quali sia presente un impianto di depurazione utilizzando il calore prelevato dalla risorsa geotermica a bassa entalpia. o impianto geotermico per la climatizzazione degli uffici dello stabilimento delle Terme Caronte. Sono state valutate due iverse configurazioni di impianto di essiccamento dei fanghi, considerando l'integrale ricircolo dell'aria (CASO 1) o con espulsione dell'aria umida (CASO 2).

INTRODUCTION. Several studies showed differences in visual information acquisition and motor task response between normal subjects and athletes: hockey (Enns, Richards, 1997), volley (Ripoll, 1988), tennis (Castello e Umiltà, 1988). There is scarce literature about children in prepubertal age (Lambert et al, 2005; Ferrel et al, 2001). AIM. of this study was to compare the children ocular orientation between tennis (TP) and not tennis players (NTP) and to verify the specific sport practice influence on perceptive abilities development. METHODS. The study involved 29 subjects aged 6-12 (mean 9,1): 8 f., 21 m; NTP: 17;TP: 12. Experimental test consisted of exposing the subjects to the vision of a video recorded sequence (38 sec.long) showing a tennis instructor performing service, forehand and backhand techniques. Sequence was observed two time with different clues: a) free vision; b) restricted area vision (follow the ball trajectory). Ocular movements were recorded by the EyeLink II API Computer System’s protocol at a frequency of 500 Hz. Interest areas were plotted on the video to verify the ocular orientation position on instructor area, left and right field area. Total number and time of ocular fixations on the screen were recorded for each subject. Mann-Whitney non parametric test for independent samples were used for the statistical analysis. DISCUSSION. In condition “a” no significant differences were found between NTP and TP (p>.05). In condition “b” significant differences were found in the following parameters: Total fixation Instructor Left area %Instructor %Left area area fix. fix. area fix. fix. p= ,049 p= ,001 p= ,014 p= ,007 p= ,014 NTP 80,70±15,46 26,30±8,31 8,80±2,20 51,54±25,67 17,37±2,92 TP 65,88±6,64 6,38±3,70 20,25±9,13 25,67±19,19 53,23±22,35 TP showed more attention on left interest area than on instructor area compared with NTP. On the same way TP showed a larger observations number on the left interest area compared with NTP. No significant differences were observed on the right and outline areas. CONCLUSIONS. Differences are not significant in condition “a” that can be assimilated to a general movement situation. In specific task as condition “b” was, training can improve perception and anticipation abilities especially in a complex task (left area, ball conducted by backhand) compared with a easy task (right area, forehand) (Smits-Engelsmann et al, 2006). NTP are tightly bind at easy perceptive task (e.g. to follow instructor figure). TP showed a higher ability in complex perceptive task (e.g. to follow ball trajectory). Further analyses and a larger sample is necessary to realize deeper studies about this subject. Bibliography. • Castiello U. e Umiltà C., 1988, “Attenzione e tennis”, SdS, nr. 7, pp 28-33 • Enns & Richards, 1997, “Visual Attentional Orienting in Developing Hockey Players” J.Experimental Child Psychology 64, 255-277 • Ferrel C., Bard C. e Fleury M., 2001, “Coordination in childhood: modifications of visuomotor representations in 6 to 11 year old children”, Experimental Brain Research, Jun; 138 (3):3 13-21, April. • Lambert J. e Bard C. (2005), “Acquisition of visuomanual skills and improvement of information processing capacities in 6- to 10-year-old children performing a 2D pointing task”, Neuroscience Letters, Volume 337, 22 March, pages. 1-6; • Ripoll H., 1988, “Analysis of Visual Scannig Patterns of Volleyball Players in a problem solving task”, International Journal of Sport Psycology, n.19, pp. 9-25; • Smits-Engelsman, David Sugden e Jacques Duysens, 2006, “Developmental trends in speed accuracy trade-off in 6–10-year-old children performing rapid reciprocal and discrete aiming movements”, Human Movement Science, Volume 25, February, pages. 37 – 49